In the 82nd episode of the Alumni Connect podcast, our guest was Senka Umek, entrepreneur and creative director working at the intersection of fashion, marketing, and the music industry. In the conversation, we explored entrepreneurship, creative industries, personal branding, music management, and how studying at the School of Economics and Business can open doors to less traditional career paths as well.

In the 81st episode of the Alumni Connect podcast, we host Tine Starič, a software solutions architect who takes us through his four-year experience of living and working in Lithuania. We talk about how big decisions often begin with a small step. About how curiosity keeps you moving forward, even when you don’t have all the answers. And about why the paths you choose are never walked alone.

In the 80th episode of the Alumni Connect podcast, our guest was Tanja Majcen Velečič, who serves at Novartis as Head of Data, Digital Ecosystems, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence in pharmaceutical manufacturing, operating in both a local and global context.

In the 79th episode of the Alumni Connect podcast, we host Alenka Repič, founder of Kaaita and a graduate of the School of Economics and Business, who openly admits that classical economic models “bore her to death.” Instead of profit maximization, she is driven by something else: the belief that nature and the environment are equal business partners and that in the end, we can all win.

In episode 78 of the Alumni Connect podcast, Alja Pahor and Nik Jerovšek from Spontanzo share behind-the-scenes insights into organizing top-level sports events. They discuss the realities of event management, the importance of communication and trust, and how to handle pressure and unexpected challenges. A special focus is placed on the 24-hour charity climbing marathon with Janja Garnbret, highlighting the dedication behind truly unforgettable experiences.

David Benedek has been building his career in the financial industry for almost three decades, from investment banking in New York to senior leadership positions at NLB, Triglav Insurance and, today, Sava Re. As one of our alumni, he emphasises that it was his studies at the School of Economics and Business that first opened the door to the wider world and provided experiences that significantly shaped his professional path. His studies at Indiana University and exchange experience in Singapore introduced him to an international environment, teamwork and a practical approach to solving business challenges. Today, he places the greatest emphasis on people, company culture and thoughtful decision-making. He believes that, in the long run, values, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter most.

Nejc Perme began his academic journey at the School of Economics and Business without a clear idea of where it would lead him. Today, he works at the Bank of Slovenia, where he focuses on analysing inflation in the euro area. His path was shaped by courses that gradually steered him towards the research side of economics, as well as by the persistence with which he developed his analytical skills. Already during his studies, he stood out for his outstanding academic performance, earning the University of Ljubljana’s award for academic excellence. His story illustrates how curiosity, discipline and an openness to new interests can lead to a well-defined professional direction.

When she left her hometown of Ptuj at the age of fourteen to live independently in Ljubljana, she could not have known how profoundly that early step would shape her life. Today, Tamara Štumperger is an electrical engineer, a part-time master’s student in the Business and Organization program at the School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana, and has been with Danfoss for thirteen years. She works in supplier quality within the automotive industry.

Her path has been anything but linear – from an early ambition to work with animals to leading complex quality systems. By combining technical expertise, business insight and the discipline of sport, she connects processes, people and ideas. She believes in responsibility, curiosity and in the idea that the right things happen at the right time.

Tilen Klobučar found the starting point for his career path in the diverse academic environment of the School of Economics and Business. He knew he wanted a dynamic job that goes beyond routine and requires thinking in a broader context. Over time, he recognized procurement as a field that offers exactly this kind of dynamism, while also opening space for strategic thinking and long-term impact. An important milestone on his journey was his exchange at the University of Mannheim, where he gained additional confidence and a broader perspective. Early on, he set the goal of securing his first job in strategic procurement and persistently invested in it, even when the path was not easy. Today, as Head of Procurement at Pipistrel, he is building and developing the procurement function, while emphasizing integrity, ethics, and long-term thinking as the foundation of his work.

Laura Mlakar is one of those young entrepreneurs who grew up in an entrepreneurial environment, which is why she has carried an entrepreneurial drive within her since childhood. Her studies at the Faculty of Economics further encouraged her to put theoretical knowledge into practice as soon as possible. Already during her studies, she and a friend began building their first entrepreneurial story, and today they run a successful vertical video content agency, Createable, employing a ten-member team and collaborating with numerous companies.

Her view on entrepreneurship is clear: opportunities only arise when we dare to take the first step, explore new paths, and build relationships – both with people and with users.

On 12 May 2026, Alumni EF hosted the event *From Saver to Investor: What You Need to Know Before Opening an INR Account*, where Urška Cvelbar, Marja Milič, Gal Jure Perhaj and Prof. Dr. Aljoša Valentinčič, together with moderator Tomaž Okorn, discussed individual investment accounts, their advantages, limitations, and the key questions investors should consider before opening one.

At first glance, it seemed like just another alumni lecture. Another event squeezed in between a long list of commitments, with the expectation that you might leave with a useful insight or two. Yet within the first few minutes, it became clear that this would not be passive listening. It felt more like a mirror. The kind you do not always find easy to look into.

The second event in the “From Saver to Investor” series highlighted the reasons for delaying investing (fear, lack of knowledge) and the importance of financial literacy. The speakers emphasized the impact of inflation, the accessibility of investing, and the advantages of a diversified portfolio.